Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Cousins for Life’s Dallas Dupree Young

Dallas Young started acting three years ago at the age of nine. In that short time, he’s landed roles in Ready Player One, The Fosters, Shameless, The Good Place, and The Mayor. Each project prepared him for his leading role on Nickelodeon’s new family sitcom,  Cousins for Life.

In the series, Dallas plays Stuart, a young boy who moves to Portland to live with his uncle and cousins. After the move, he finds himself embarking on a variety of adventures with his cousin, Ivy.

Pop Culturalist sat down to chat with Dallas about Cousins for Life.

PC: Tell us about Cousins for Life and your character in the series.
Dallas: Cousins for Life is about two cousins who come from very different backgrounds and don’t always see eye to eye. My character is Stuart. He’s an entrepreneur. He’s impulsive, outgoing, and very creative.

PC: What similarities or differences do you share with Stuart?
Dallas: We both love video games and our family. As far as differences, Stuart messes up a lot of Ivy’s projects and he’s very impulsive.

PC: What do Stuart and Ivy learn from each other throughout the series and how did you and Scarlet [Spencer] build that bond?
Dallas: Stuart and Ivy learn that family is everything and they work better together as a team. They learn that even though you might not always be on the same page, you can work together to achieve a shared goal.

Scarlet [Spencer] and I grew our bond in real life and we brought that to our characters. We always practice our lines together and all the producers and crew have helped us to achieve the goal of being believable as cousins.

PC: It’s your first lead role in a television series. What’s been the most surprising part about this experience?
Dallas: I’ve been acting for three years. First, I was auditioning for commercials and recurring roles, but I didn’t think I was going to get a lead role. Once I auditioned for Cousins for Life, I was so excited. I knew this would be a really good show. I definitely didn’t expect to land a lead role so soon, though!


PC: You’re best known for your role on Shameless, The Good Place, and The Fosters. What did you learn from those experiences that you brought over to Cousins for Life?
Dallas: What I learned from those experiences was how to bring the energy into my character. Most of my roles have been more serious, except the one on The Mayor. He was an upbeat character who was outgoing, which are characteristics that I brought to Stuart.


Career Questions

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Dallas: Acting fell into my lap. I got a random phone call from a lady named Diana Horner and I’m so thankful for her. I’m not sure how she got my headshot, but I started auditioning in L.A. and did a showcase. From there, I got an agent and manager.


PC: What advice would you give to young actors who are looking to get started in this business?
Dallas: Always work hard on your passion and stay focus! Listen to all the directors and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it because you can!


PC: As you look forward in your career, is there a dream role that you would love to play in the future?
Dallas: I would love to be in a movie with Denzel Washington, Will Smith, and LeBron James. I’d also like to do an action film where I’m jumping out of a building with a fire right behind me.


Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Dallas: The Young and the Restless

PC: Favorite movie?
Dallas: The House with a Clock in Its Walls or Thunderstruck

PC: Favorite book?
Dallas: James and the Giant Peach

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Dallas: This is going to sound weird, but The Young and the Restless.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Dallas: I’m a huge fan of The Weekend and Drake.

PC: Hidden talent?
Dallas: I love sports and I can ride a hoverboard.

Keep up with Dallas by following him on Instagram, and catch Cousins for Life every Saturday at 8:30/7:30c.

Photo Credit: Nickelodeon